Nothing like this is a necessity, but it is pretty elfin awesome. Make sure you have all the software etc before you jump. The IT dude at my office helped me out with the OSX, otherwise I would have had to pay for it.

Berth...the iPad created a domino effect with my laptop. I had put off updating to Leopard, I did that. Then I had to update to a new Quicktime (free), then I had to update to the newest Safari, then I my Powerbook would not recognize the iPad. Damnit. Finally, I deleted iTunes and reinstalled it and it worked. The iPad is very Star Trek gadget like. The Alice for iPad App is jaw-dropping.